Submission on the ETS 2015/16 Review - Priority Issues

Posted by OraTaiao0sc on March 04, 2016

A: Summary

This submission introduces OraTaiao, describes the basis for our submission, and attaches two previous related submissions, then responds to the first eight questions of the ETS 2015/16 Priority Issues Review.

Our two main points are:1. NZ needs an overall plan to get to a zero emissions economy around three decades from now, where the ETS is one tool amongst a suite of emissions reductions policies and programmes. 2. The cost-benefit analysis underpinning the ETS review needs to include the benefits of action – including health co-benefits which can be experienced relatively soon.

B: Who we are

OraTaiao: The New Zealand Climate and Health Council (OraTaiao, The Council) is an incorporated society of over 420 health professional members who understand that climate change is fundamentally a threat to human wellbeing and are concerned by this, but also understand that well-designed climate action can bring more immediate benefits to health and fairness.

Within its membership, OraTaiao has some of the world’s leading climate-health experts, and is consolidating linkages with health bodies and other climate-health organisations in New Zealand and internationally.

C: Submission basis

OraTaiao base our submission on the following:• The world needs to get greenhouse gas emissions down to zero by 2050 to contribute to world not exceeding 1.5’C warming (moral target); NZ should do so sooner as one of the more developed countries with high historical emissions• NZ has agreed to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions 30% below 2005 levels / 11% below 1990 levels by 2030 (short term target) and will be expected to increase ambition over time.• Well-designed emissions reduction policies can give substantial cost effective health gains in the shorter term additional to longer term reduction of climate threats to our health and wellbeing.• Failure to achieve global greenhouse gas emissions reductions and consequent climate change will bring health damage and costs• Uncontrolled climate change has the potential to increase health inequities• The impact of greenhouse gas emissions reduction policies on health equity and other equity domains will depend on the design on the policy